Warning Signs of Stroke

By Hans Diehl, M.D. www.chiphealth.com

Who Is At Risk For Strokes?

Most strokes are directly related to high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are 8 times more likely to suffer a stroke than people with normal blood pressure. But then there is also atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat). The presence of atrial fibrillation usually increases stroke risk by 6 times.

Blackout spells, called Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs), may be early warnings. These are mini-strokes that start suddenly and usually disappear in less than 24 hours. Most last only a few seconds, and recovery is complete. Persistent TIAs, however, increase the chances for a complete stroke, much as angina attacks increase the chances of a heart attack.

Other risk factors include elevated blood cholesterol and triglycerides, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle. All of these contribute to the atherosclerotic process. In fact, the risk factors for stroke are basically the same as those for coronary heart disease since both diseases are caused by underlying damage to vital, oxygen-carrying arteries.

Stroke Warning Signs!